Biologists in the US have stated that a bear invasion is underway in the country, according to The Guardian.
Experts report a significant rise in bear-human encounters over the past two years, with increases recorded in 15 states. For instance, Colorado has logged over 8,600 reports of bear sightings near homes and other incidents this year—double the figure from 2025. There were 10 attacks on humans, a record high since tracking began.
In Connecticut, annual reports of bears entering homes numbered fewer than 25 between 2014 and 2020, but rose to at least 60 incidents each in 2022, 2024, and 2026. In Florida, authorities received an average of 2,600 bear-related complaints between 2006 and 2010, a figure that climbed to an average of 6,400 incidents between 2021 and 2025.
In Colorado, two women were injured in bear attacks in September alone; in one instance, the animal entered a bedroom. State officials had to euthanize 294 bears—three times the number recorded in 2025.
Experts attribute this surge in bear activity to population growth and environmental conditions. Specifically, warm winters and severe droughts in Western states have limited the growth of the berries and acorns that bears rely on for food after hibernation. As a result, the predators have increasingly begun approaching human settlements, raiding trash bins and campsites, and breaking into homes.
At the same time, biologists consider 2026 to be an anomalous year in terms of bear activity. They note that animal populations fluctuate constantly and that the situation should stabilize once the most aggressive individuals have been eliminated.
About the Author
